Systems and techniques are disclosed relating to wireless communications. The systems and techniques involve wireless communications wherein a module or communications device is configured to listen for a period of time for an incoming pilot signal from a remote terminal that exceeds a threshold power level for the purpose of acquiring such incoming pilot signal and operating under control of the remote terminal, and operating independently of the remote terminal if such pilot signal is not detected within the period of time, such independent operation including transmitting a pilot signal.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method of communications, comprising: receiving, at a first wireless terminal, a first pilot signal from a first master terminal of a first network; registering with the first master terminal, based on the first pilot signal, to be a member of the first network; receiving a task, from the first master terminal, to listen for pilot signals from one or more other terminals, based on a determination that the first wireless terminal is located adjacent to an edge of the first network; listening for the pilot signals from the one or more other terminals according to the task, wherein the one or more other terminals are not members of the first network; and establishing a peer-to-peer communication with an other terminal of the one or more other terminals based on detecting a second pilot signal of the other terminal during the listening for pilot signals.
A wireless device joins a network by receiving a pilot signal from a master terminal, and registers with the master to become a member. The master terminal may instruct the wireless device to listen for pilot signals from other devices that aren't part of the network, if the device is near the network's edge. If the device detects a pilot signal from a non-member, it establishes a direct, peer-to-peer communication link with that device. This allows devices on the edge of a network to discover and communicate with devices outside the network's control.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: computing a carrier-to-interference (C/I) ratio associated with the received first pilot signal; forwarding the computed C/I ratio to the first master terminal; and wherein receiving the task from the first master terminal is further based on the computed C/I ratio.
The wireless device, after receiving the pilot signal from the master terminal, calculates a carrier-to-interference (C/I) ratio, and sends this ratio to the master. The master uses this C/I ratio, along with the edge location determination from CLAIM 1, to decide if the wireless device should listen for external pilot signals and try to establish peer-to-peer connections with non-network devices. The C/I ratio helps the master determine the quality of the connection.
3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: receiving a schedule of at least one transmission time and at least one receiving time from the first master terminal, wherein the schedule includes a first period for intra-network communications within the first network and a second period for peer-to-peer communications, wherein the first period and the second period are at different times; and wherein the establishing of the peer-to-peer communication with the other terminal occurs during the second period.
The master terminal sends a communication schedule to the wireless device. This schedule includes separate time slots: one for regular network communication (intra-network), and another dedicated to peer-to-peer communication with external devices, as described in CLAIM 1. The wireless device only establishes peer-to-peer connections during the designated peer-to-peer time slot. This ensures that direct communications don't interfere with normal network operation.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein establishing the peer-to-peer communication with the other terminal further comprises establishing the peer-to-peer communication with an isolated terminal operating independently from the first master terminal.
The peer-to-peer communication established as described in CLAIM 1 involves connecting to an isolated terminal. This isolated terminal operates independently and isn't controlled by the master terminal of the first network. This enables the wireless device to communicate directly with devices completely outside the existing network infrastructure.
5. The method of claim 4 , further comprising: receiving a third pilot signal from the isolated terminal after the isolated terminal has become a new master terminal of the first network by gaining control from the first master terminal; and re-registering for membership in the first network with the new master terminal based on the third pilot signal from the isolated terminal.
Following the peer-to-peer connection described in CLAIM 4, the isolated terminal takes control of the first network, becoming the new master. The wireless device receives a pilot signal from this new master, and re-registers to maintain its membership in the first network under the control of the formerly isolated terminal. Essentially, an outside device can take over the network, and existing members can rejoin.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein establishing the peer-to-peer communication with the other terminal further comprises establishing the peer-to-peer communication with a second master terminal of a second network.
The peer-to-peer communication established as described in CLAIM 1 involves connecting to a second master terminal, belonging to a different network. This allows the wireless device to communicate directly with the control point of another network.
7. The method of claim 6 , further comprising maintaining a connection with the second network through a connection with a member terminal of the second network, instead of the second master terminal, wherein the member terminal is assigned by the second master terminal.
After establishing a peer-to-peer link with the second network master (as in CLAIM 6), the wireless device maintains its connection to the second network via a member terminal of that network, instead of directly through the second master. The second master assigns this member terminal for relaying communications.
8. A method of communications, comprising: receiving, at a first wireless terminal, a first pilot signal from a first master terminal of a first network; registering with the first master terminal, based on the first pilot signal, to be a member of the first network; receiving a task from the first master terminal based on a determination that the first wireless terminal is located adjacent to an edge of the first network; listening for pilot signals from one or more other terminals according to the task, wherein the one or more other terminals are not members of the first network; establishing a peer-to-peer communication with an other terminal of the one or more other terminals based on detecting a second pilot signal of the other terminal during the listening for pilot signals; dropping membership in the first network; searching for an alternative network master terminal; and operating as an isolated terminal independent of the first master terminal if the searching does not find the alternative network master terminal, wherein the operating further includes transmitting a third pilot signal that enables communication with at least one other terminal.
This invention relates to wireless communication networks, specifically addressing the challenge of maintaining connectivity and task execution for terminals near the edge of a network. The method involves a wireless terminal initially receiving a pilot signal from a master terminal of its current network and registering as a member. If the terminal is determined to be near the network's edge, it receives a task to listen for pilot signals from non-member terminals. Upon detecting a pilot signal from another terminal, the wireless terminal establishes a peer-to-peer connection with it. The terminal then drops its membership in the original network and searches for an alternative master terminal. If no alternative is found, it operates independently, transmitting its own pilot signal to enable communication with other terminals. This approach ensures continuous connectivity and task execution even when a terminal moves to the network periphery or loses connection to its master. The method supports dynamic network reconfiguration and peer-to-peer communication, enhancing robustness in wireless networks.
9. The method of claim 8 , wherein dropping the membership is based on lack of reception of the first pilot signal.
The wireless device described in CLAIM 8 drops its membership in the original network specifically because it stops receiving the pilot signal from the original master terminal. This indicates a loss of connection or signal degradation.
10. The method of claim 8 , wherein dropping the membership is based on a failure of the first wireless terminal to maintain a connection having a minimum data rate required by the first master terminal.
The wireless device described in CLAIM 8 drops its membership in the original network because it can no longer maintain the minimum data rate required by the first master terminal. This can occur due to interference or distance.
11. The method of claim 8 , further comprising obtaining a minimum data rate threshold associated with the first master terminal; computing a carrier-to-interference (C/I) ratio associated with the received first pilot signal; and wherein dropping the membership is based on a failure of the first wireless terminal to maintain the minimum data rate threshold based on the computed C/I ratio.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for managing terminal membership in a wireless network to optimize data rates and signal quality. The problem addressed is ensuring reliable communication by dynamically adjusting terminal connections based on signal conditions and performance thresholds. The method involves a wireless terminal operating in a network with multiple master terminals, each broadcasting pilot signals. The terminal monitors these signals to determine signal quality, particularly the carrier-to-interference (C/I) ratio. A minimum data rate threshold is defined for the terminal, which must be maintained to remain connected to a master terminal. If the computed C/I ratio indicates that the terminal cannot sustain the required data rate, its membership in the network is terminated. This ensures that only terminals with sufficient signal quality remain connected, improving overall network efficiency and reliability. The method may also involve evaluating multiple master terminals to select the best connection based on signal conditions. The dynamic adjustment of terminal membership helps maintain optimal network performance by preventing degraded connections from consuming resources.
12. The method of claim 8 , further comprising receiving a registration from a second wireless terminal, wherein the received registration is based on the third pilot signal, and accepting the registration of the second wireless terminal as a member of a second network of which the first wireless terminal is a master.
After becoming an isolated terminal and transmitting its own pilot signal (as described in CLAIM 8), the isolated terminal receives a registration request from another wireless device based on that pilot signal. The terminal then accepts this registration, making the other wireless device a member of a new network, with the isolated terminal now acting as the master.
13. The method of claim 8 , wherein accepting the registration is further based on a number of registered member terminals in the second network being less than a maximum threshold number.
The acceptance of the registration from the second wireless terminal, as described in CLAIM 12, is further based on the number of currently registered member terminals in the new network being below a defined maximum threshold. This limits the network size.
14. The method of claim 8 , wherein the registration comprises a data rate supported by the second wireless terminal, and wherein accepting the registration is further based on the data rate meeting or exceeding a minimum data rate threshold.
The registration request from the second wireless device includes the data rate it supports. The acceptance of this registration, as described in CLAIM 12, depends on this supported data rate meeting or exceeding a minimum data rate threshold.
15. A processor for communications, comprising: a first module for receiving, at a first wireless terminal, a first pilot signal from a first master terminal of a first network; a second module for registering with the first master terminal, based on the first pilot signal, to be a member of the first network; a third module for receiving a task, from the first master terminal, to listen for pilot signals from one or more other terminals, based on a determination that the first wireless terminal is located adjacent to an edge of the first network; a fourth module for listening for the pilot signals from the one or more other terminals according to the task, wherein the one or more other terminals are not members of the first network; and a fifth module for establishing a peer-to-peer communication with an other terminal of the one or more other terminals based on detecting a second pilot signal of the other terminal during the listening for pilot signals.
A processor controls a wireless terminal to receive a pilot signal from a network master, register with that master as a member, and receive a task to listen for pilot signals from non-network devices based on proximity to the network edge. The processor then listens for these external pilot signals and establishes peer-to-peer communication with a non-network device upon detecting its pilot signal. This enables edge devices to connect outside the primary network.
16. The processor of claim 15 , further comprising: a sixth module for computing a carrier-to-interference (C/I) ratio associated with the received first pilot signal; a seventh module for forwarding the computed C/I ratio to the first master terminal; and wherein the task from the first master terminal is further based on the computed C/I ratio.
The processor of CLAIM 15 also calculates the carrier-to-interference (C/I) ratio of the received pilot signal from the master and sends this ratio back to the master. The master uses the C/I ratio to determine whether to instruct the wireless device to listen for pilot signals from external devices and establish peer-to-peer connections.
17. A processor for communications, comprising: a first module for receiving, at a first wireless terminal, a first pilot signal from a first master terminal of a first network; a second module for registering with the first master terminal, based on the first pilot signal, to be a member of the first network; a third module for receiving a task from the first master terminal based on a determination that the first wireless terminal is located adjacent to an edge of the first network; a fourth module for listening for pilot signals from one or more other terminals according to the task, wherein the one or more other terminals are not members of the first network; a fifth module for establishing a peer-to-peer communication with an other terminal of the one or more other terminals based on detecting a second pilot signal of the other terminal during the listening for pilot signals; a sixth module for dropping membership in the first network; a seventh module for searching for an alternative network master terminal; and an eighth module for operating as an isolated terminal independent of the first master terminal if the searching does not find the alternative network master terminal, wherein the operating further includes transmitting a third pilot signal that enables communication with at least one other terminal.
A processor enables a wireless terminal to join a network, listen for other networks using pilot signals, and connect to them in a peer-to-peer fashion, as described in CLAIM 15. Critically, the processor can also drop membership from the first network, search for another network master terminal, and if it fails to find one, operate as an isolated terminal, transmitting its own pilot signal to allow other devices to connect to it.
18. A non-transitory computer readable medium embodying a program of instructions executable by a computer to perform communications, comprising: at least one instruction for receiving, at a first wireless terminal, a first pilot signal from a first master terminal of a first network; at least one instruction for registering with the first master terminal, based on the first pilot signal, to be a member of the first network; at least one instruction for receiving a task, from the first master terminal, to listen for pilot signals from one or more other terminals, based on a determination that the first wireless terminal is located adjacent to an edge of the first network; at least one instruction for listening for the pilot signals from the one or more other terminals according to the task, wherein the one or more other terminals are not members of the first network; and at least one instruction for establishing a peer-to-peer communication with an other terminal of the one or more other terminals based on detecting a second pilot signal of the other terminal during the listening for pilot signals.
A computer-readable medium stores instructions that, when executed, cause a wireless terminal to receive a pilot signal, register with a network, listen for pilot signals from other terminals outside the network, and establish peer-to-peer connections. These instructions perform the method described in CLAIM 1, enabling the terminal to find and communicate with devices outside its initial network.
19. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 18 , further comprising: at least one instruction for computing a carrier-to-interference (C/I) ratio associated with the received first pilot signal; at least one instruction for forwarding the computed C/I ratio to the first master terminal; and wherein the at least one instruction for receiving the task from the first master terminal is further based on the computed C/I ratio.
The computer-readable medium of CLAIM 18 further includes instructions to compute and forward the carrier-to-interference (C/I) ratio of the received pilot signal to the master terminal. The instruction to listen for pilot signals from other terminals is dependent on this C/I ratio, as described in CLAIM 2.
20. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 18 , further comprising: at least one instruction for dropping membership in the first network; at least one instruction for searching for an alternative network master terminal; and at least one instruction for operating as an isolated terminal independent of the first master terminal if the searching does not find the alternative network master terminal, wherein the operating further includes transmitting a third pilot signal that enables communication with at least one other terminal.
The computer-readable medium of CLAIM 18 includes instructions for dropping membership in the network, searching for an alternative master terminal, and operating as an isolated terminal transmitting its own pilot signal if a new master isn't found. These instructions perform the actions described in CLAIM 8, allowing the terminal to disconnect and form its own network.
21. A wireless terminal, comprising: means for receiving a first pilot signal from a first master terminal of a first network; means for registering with the first master terminal, based on the first pilot signal, to be a member of the first network; means for receiving a task, from the first master terminal, to listen for pilot signals from one or more other terminals, based on a determination that the wireless terminal is located adjacent to an edge of the first network; means for listening for the pilot signals from the one or more other terminals according to the task, wherein the one or more other terminals are not members of the first network; and means for establishing a peer-to-peer communication with an other terminal of the one or more other terminals based on detecting a second pilot signal of the other terminal during the listening for pilot signals.
A wireless terminal has components for receiving a pilot signal from a master, registering as a member, receiving instructions to listen for pilot signals from non-members (if near the network edge), listening for these non-member pilot signals, and establishing peer-to-peer communication with a non-member device upon detecting its signal. This mirrors the method of CLAIM 1.
22. The wireless terminal of claim 21 , further comprising: means for computing a carrier-to-interference (C/I) ratio associated with the received first pilot signal; means for forwarding the computed C/I ratio to the first master terminal; and wherein the task from the first master terminal is further based on the computed C/I ratio.
The wireless terminal from CLAIM 21 also includes components for calculating and forwarding the carrier-to-interference (C/I) ratio of the master's pilot signal. The instruction to listen for external signals depends on this ratio, mirroring CLAIM 2.
23. A wireless terminal, comprising: means for receiving a first pilot signal from a first master terminal of a first network; means for registering with the first master terminal, based on the first pilot signal, to be a member of the first network; means for receiving a task from the first master terminal based on a determination that the wireless terminal is located adjacent to an edge of the first network; means for listening for pilot signals from one or more other terminals according to the task, wherein the one or more other terminals are not members of the first network; means for establishing a peer-to-peer communication with an other terminal of the one or more other terminals based on detecting a second pilot signal of the other terminal during the listening for pilot signals; means for dropping membership in the first network; means for searching for an alternative network master terminal; and means for operating as an isolated terminal independent of the first master terminal if the searching does not find the alternative network master terminal, wherein the operating further includes transmitting, a third pilot signal that enables communication with at least one other terminal.
The wireless terminal includes components to join a network, listen for other networks via pilot signals, and establish peer-to-peer links, as described in CLAIM 21. It ALSO incorporates the ability to drop its membership in the original network, search for an alternative master terminal, and if none is found, operate as an isolated terminal, broadcasting its own pilot signal. This reflects the behavior outlined in CLAIM 8.
24. A wireless terminal, comprising: a receiver configured to receive a first pilot signal from a first master terminal of a first network; a processor configured to register with the first master terminal, based on the first pilot signal, to be a member of the first network; wherein the receiver is further operable to receive a task, from the first master terminal, to listen for pilot signals from one or more other terminals, based on a determination that the first wireless terminal is located adjacent to an edge of the first network and to listen for the pilot signals from the one or more other terminals according to the task, wherein the one or more other terminals are not members of the first network; and wherein the processor is further configured to establish a peer-to-peer communication with an other terminal of the one or more other terminals based on detecting a second pilot signal of the other terminal during the listening for pilot signals.
A wireless terminal with a receiver and processor is designed to: receive a pilot signal from a master terminal, register with the master, receive a task to listen for pilot signals from devices outside the network (based on its edge location), listen for those pilot signals, and establish a peer-to-peer link with an external device if a pilot signal is detected.
25. The wireless terminal of claim 24 , further comprising: wherein the processor is further configured to compute a carrier-to-interference (C/I) ratio associated with the received first pilot signal and forward the computed C/I ratio to the first master terminal, and wherein receiving the task from the first master terminal is further based on the computed C/I ratio.
In the wireless terminal of CLAIM 24, the processor is further configured to compute the carrier-to-interference (C/I) ratio of the received pilot signal and send it back to the master. The master then uses the C/I ratio to determine whether to instruct the terminal to listen for external pilot signals.
26. The wireless terminal of claim 24 , further comprising: wherein the processor is further configured to receive a schedule of at least one transmission time and at least one receiving time from the first master terminal, wherein the schedule includes a first period for intra-network communications within the first network and a second period for peer-to-peer communications, wherein the first period and the second period are at different times; and wherein the establishing of the peer-to-peer communication with the other terminal occurs during the second period.
The wireless terminal of CLAIM 24 receives a communication schedule from the master, dividing time into periods for intra-network (normal) and peer-to-peer communications. The terminal only establishes peer-to-peer connections during the designated peer-to-peer time slots.
27. The wireless terminal of claim 24 , wherein the other terminal further comprises an isolated terminal operating independently from the first master terminal.
In the wireless terminal described in CLAIM 24, the device it connects to in a peer-to-peer fashion is an isolated terminal, operating independently of the first network's master.
28. The wireless terminal of claim 27 , further comprising: wherein the receiver is further configured to receive a third pilot signal from the isolated terminal after the isolated terminal has become a new master terminal of the first network by gaining control from the first master terminal; and wherein the processor is further configured to re-register for membership in the first network with the new master terminal based on the third pilot signal from the isolated terminal.
The wireless terminal from CLAIM 27, after establishing a peer-to-peer connection with the isolated terminal, later receives a pilot signal from that isolated terminal, which has now taken over as the new master. The terminal re-registers with the new master.
29. The wireless terminal of claim 24 , wherein the other terminal further comprises a second master terminal of a second network.
In the wireless terminal described in CLAIM 24, the device it connects to in a peer-to-peer fashion is a second master terminal, belonging to a different network.
30. The wireless terminal of claim 29 , wherein the processor is further configured to maintain a connection with the second network through a connection with a member terminal of the second network, instead of with the second master terminal, wherein the member terminal is assigned by the second master terminal.
The wireless terminal of CLAIM 29 maintains its connection with the second network through a connection with a member terminal of that network, assigned by the second master terminal, instead of directly with the second master.
31. A wireless terminal, comprising: a receiver configured to receive a first pilot signal from a first master terminal of a first network; a processor configured to register with the first master terminal, based on the first pilot signal, to be a member of the first network; wherein the receiver is further operable to receive a task from the first master terminal based on a determination that the first wireless terminal is located adjacent to an edge of the first network and to listen for pilot signals from one or more other terminals according to the task, wherein the one or more other terminals are not members of the first network; wherein the processor is further configured to establish a peer-to-peer communication with an other terminal of the one or more other terminals based on detecting a second pilot signal of the other terminal during the listening for pilot signals wherein the processor is further configured to drop membership in the first network; wherein the processor is further configured to search for an alternative network master terminal; and wherein the processor is further configured to operate the wireless terminal as an isolated terminal independent of the first master terminal if the searching does not find the alternative network master terminal, wherein the operating further includes transmitting a third pilot signal that enables communication with at least one other terminal.
A wireless terminal with a receiver and processor joins a network and listens for other networks (as in CLAIM 24). Importantly, the processor can also drop membership from the first network, search for a new master, and operate as an isolated terminal if no new master is found. This isolated operation involves transmitting its own pilot signal, enabling other devices to connect.
32. The wireless terminal of claim 31 , wherein the processor is further configured to drop the membership is based on lack of reception by the receiver of the first pilot signal.
The processor in the wireless terminal of CLAIM 31 drops its membership in the original network because the receiver stops receiving the pilot signal from the original master.
33. The wireless terminal of claim 31 , wherein the processor is further configured to drop the membership based on a failure of the wireless terminal to maintain a connection having a minimum data rate required by the first master terminal.
The processor in the wireless terminal of CLAIM 31 drops its membership because the terminal fails to maintain the minimum data rate required by the original master terminal.
34. The wireless terminal of claim 31 , further comprising wherein the processor is further configured to obtain a minimum data rate threshold associated with the first master terminal; wherein the processor is further configured to compute a carrier-to-interference (C/I) ratio associated with the received first pilot signal; and wherein the processor is further configured to drop the membership based on a failure of the wireless terminal to maintain the minimum data rate threshold based on the computed C/I ratio.
The processor in the wireless terminal of CLAIM 31 obtains the minimum data rate threshold, calculates the C/I ratio, and drops membership if it cannot maintain the required data rate based on the computed C/I ratio.
35. The wireless terminal of claim 31 , wherein the receiver is further configured to receive a registration from a second wireless terminal, wherein the received registration is based on the second pilot signal, and wherein the processor is further configured to accept the registration of the second wireless terminal as a member of a second network of which the wireless terminal is a master.
The receiver of the wireless terminal in CLAIM 31 receives a registration request from another device based on the terminal's pilot signal. The processor then accepts this registration, making the other device a member of a new network controlled by this terminal (acting as master).
36. The wireless terminal of claim 31 , wherein the processor is further configured to accept the registration based on a number of registered member terminals in the second network being less than a maximum threshold number.
The processor in the wireless terminal of CLAIM 31 only accepts the registration from another device if the number of current members in the new network is below a maximum limit.
37. The wireless terminal of claim 31 , wherein the registration comprises a data rate supported by the second wireless terminal, and wherein the processor is further configured to accept the registration based on the data rate meeting or exceeding a minimum data rate threshold.
The registration request from another device, received by the wireless terminal of CLAIM 31, includes the supported data rate of that device. The processor only accepts the registration if this data rate meets or exceeds a defined minimum data rate threshold.
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April 6, 2009
July 16, 2013
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